The founder of Special Olympics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, passed away in Cape Cod on Monday—the matriarch of the Kennedy family, Shriver will always be remembered for her contribution to the world.  Special Olympics now serves over 3 million athletes in over 180 countries.  The world’s largest sports organization makes its Southern California home here in Long Beach, in an unobtrusive building nestled up against the Heartwell Park Golf Course.  That building has undoubtedly been a somber place this week, as preparations progress for Shriver’s memorial, to be held at 7am Friday morning, in the St. Francis Xaiver Catholic Church in Massachusetts.

SOSC CEO and President (and former Long Beach State athletic director) Bill Shumard had the following to say about Shriver’s passing:  “This extraordinary woman truly changed the world, and we were privileged to have had her lead our movement for more than 40 years.  [In our branch] we have been touched by the many words of encouragement and memories about Mrs. Shriver and the impact she has had on our lives.”

If you’d like more information on Shriver and the Special Olympics movement, or a place to watch the memorial, click here.